The bigger picture

Stepping back and looking from a different perspective can bring appreciation and inspiration

This article is brought to you by the Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market. Happy Independence Day! The Market can’t wait to celebrate July 4 with you! That’s right! The Market will be open this Saturday, July 4, from 9 a.m. until noon with plenty of great produce and products to enjoy.

Before you begin celebrating Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights in downtown Kokomo, take a quick walk up the block to the corner of Mulberry and Washington streets and gather up the meats, fruits, and vegetables perfect for that holiday cookout. Get immersed in the live music. Find the perfect gift or summer decoration. And it all comes from local artisans. Enjoy your weekend, and we’ll see you at the Market!

I’m an artist at my core. That’s just who I am. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always loved creating large-scale projects. There’s something about working on a piece that’s bigger than me. But one thing art has taught me is that when you’re standing too close to it, it’s difficult to see the entire picture.

When you’re only a few inches away from the canvas, all you notice are the little details and the imperfections. Every brush stroke that doesn’t seem quite right stands out. But when you step back, everything changes. You begin to see the work as a whole instead of focusing on every little flaw. More often than not, you realize it’s much closer to what you imagined than you thought it was.

I think life works the same way.

Sometimes we’re so close to a situation that all we can see are the problems, the emotions, and the imperfections. We become so attached that it’s hard to see anything else. That’s why it’s important to listen when people you trust give you advice. They’re looking at your situation from a distance. They aren’t carrying the same emotions or attachments that you are, so they can often see things from a perspective you simply can’t.

That doesn’t mean they’re always right, but their perspective is valuable because they’re able to see the bigger picture.

Don’t be afraid to back up. Slow down. Give it a rest with every intention of coming back to it. Walking away for a moment doesn’t mean you’re giving up. Sometimes it’s exactly what you need.

When you return, your perspective will be different. You’ll see things more clearly, and what once looked full of flaws may actually be much closer to your liking than you ever imagined. That’s a lesson art has taught me, and it’s one I’ve learned applies just as much to life.